United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister's Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Friday said the government's authority is derived from the people and that protecting human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remains its foremost priority. Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference-2026 at Hotel InterContinental in the capital, Mahdi said the current government assumed office through a free, fair and credible election and is committed to strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding citizens' rights. Govt to build skilled workforce around youth aspirations: Mahdi Amin The conference was organised by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA). Mahdi alleged that the BNP was the principal victim of political repression during the previous 16 years of what he described as authoritarian rule, citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths and politically motivated cases. However, he said the crackdown was not limited to a single political party, claiming that all pro-democracy political forces and many citizens from different walks of life who spoke out against the then government were subjected to repression. Referring to enforced disappearances, Mahdi said not only political leaders but also individuals with no political affiliation had fallen victim to such incidents. While some victims eventually returned, he noted that many others remain missing. He claimed that thousands of people had been killed in alleged extrajudicial incidents or died in custody over the years, adding that more than 700 victims of enforced disappearance have yet to return. Mahdi said the government recognises the suffering of families who lost loved ones and is committed to ensuring justice for victims. He also referred to the personal experiences of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying his family had endured political persecution and human rights violations, which, according to him, gives the prime minister a deep understanding of the pain experienced by victims' families. The adviser further claimed that the current Home Minister and many members of the cabinet, lawmakers and political activists had themselves experienced enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention or politically motivated legal cases. According to Mahdi, the present administration represents a major departure from the governance system of the past decade and a half, arguing that state institutions previously functioned to sustain an authoritarian regime rather than protect citizens' rights. He said the government had effectively pressed a "reset button" following the political transition and adopted a clear reform agenda centred on empowering citizens, restoring the rule of law, protecting human rights and ensuring freedom of expression. Mahdi asserted that during the government's first five months in office, there had been no incidents of human rights violations, political repression, custodial deaths or enforced disappearances to the best of the government's knowledge, expressing hope that this record would continue. He said the government seeks to end the culture of political vengeance while ensuring accountability for those responsible for serious human rights violations committed under the previous administration. "Our objective is clear—no perpetrator should escape justice, while no innocent person should be deprived of the right to live freely in a democratic country," he said. Mahdi also said the government is pursuing a policy of reconciliation and social harmony following the fall of the previous administration, recalling that democratic political parties led by the BNP had worked to maintain peace and order during the period when the country remained without a government from August 5 to August 8. Looking ahead, he said the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership will continue to prioritise the protection of human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression, alongside efforts to empower women and young people and promote inclusive and balanced development that benefits all citizens.

A review meeting between a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) delegation and Democracy International (DI) was held in the Capital on Friday to assess progress on activities aimed at strengthening the party's organisational capacity and internal democratic practices. The meeting reviewed the progress of initiatives related to enhancing the party's organisational capabilities and internal democracy, while participants also discussed future plans in detail. BNP submits annual financial report to EC; reports Tk 6.93 crore surplus At the outset, Democracy International presented an update on the implementation of the BNP's central strategic action plan formulated in April 2023, as well as the outcomes of strategic plans implemented in 20 local organisational units. According to DI, significant progress has been achieved in institutionalising training programmes, increasing women's participation in party committees, resolving internal conflicts and expanding public engagement activities. The participants held an open discussion and reached a conceptual consensus on future priorities, including conducting a needs assessment, updating the existing strategic action plan and ensuring its effective implementation. The BNP delegation was led by Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration (with the status of a minister) Md Ismail Zabiullah. Other members of the delegation included Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator and BNP National Executive Committee Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, and the party's Training Affairs Secretary ABM Mosharraf Hossain, MP. Representing Democracy International at the meeting were Chief of Party Aminul Ehsan, Senior Director Lipika Biswas and Senior Manager Md Rabiul Islam. Democracy International has been providing technical assistance to strengthen democratic practices and the organisational capacity of democratic institutions in Bangladesh with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Rafiqul Islam Miah was placed on life support at Evercare Hospital Dhaka on Thursday evening after his condition deteriorated. He was put on life support at 7:20pm, his Personal Secretary Muksedur Rahman Abir said. He said the BNP leader’s kidneys are no longer functioning, and doctors detected blood infection. "He has been suffering from neurological problems for a long time and is now facing multiple complications," he added. Rafiqul Islam was admitted to Evercare Hospital on July 21 and had been receiving treatment in a cabin equipped with ICU facilities. However, his condition began to worsen from around noon on Thursday, his personal secretary said. He is currently under the care of specialist physician Dr Farid Hossain at the hospital. Abir said the family has sought prayers from people across the country for Rafiqul Islam's recovery.

Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President and cardiologist Dr Zubaida Rahman on Thursday called for building a humane and effective healthcare system to ensure that no villager dies for lack of medical treatment and no pregnant woman or newborn loses life due to inadequate healthcare. "We want a future Bangladesh where no sick villager dies because of lack of treatment, no pregnant woman dies without receiving proper medical care, and no newborn leaves its mother's lap because of inadequate healthcare," she said. "We want to build a healthcare system that will set an example for the world because everyone's health matters," she said at a programme as the chief guest at the Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College auditorium in the capita, where meritorious students were honoured for their academic achievements. Congratulating the award recipients, she also praised students who managed to pursue cultural activities alongside their hard academic schedules. "If you continue to nurture your talents this way, it will be highly commendable. Culture is what we are; civilisation is what we have. Culture is the foundation of civilisation," she said. Describing the students as some of the country's brightest minds, Dr Zubaida said they had earned the opportunity to study medicine through merit and urged them to combine excellence with compassion. Expressing hope that many students would pursue higher education and advanced medical training abroad, she urged them to return and serve the people of Bangladesh. Citing healthcare statistics, she said Bangladesh currently has only 0.83 physicians per 1,000 people, meaning one doctor often has to serve between 1,200 and 1,800 patients, with the situation being even worse in rural areas. "This situation can change if we commit ourselves to serving the country from our student life," she said. She noted that 70 to 75 percent of doctors work in urban areas while 78 percent of the country's population lives in rural and remote regions. Dr Zubaida also said the nurse-to-population ratio in Bangladesh is only 0.549 per 1,000 people, compared to the World Health Organization's benchmark of 1.48 nurses per 1,000 people. She added that the WHO recommends 2.28 doctors per 1,000 people while in Bangladesh there is only one government doctor for every 6,500 people. "That is why healthcare remains one of the major causes of poverty." She expressed confidence that through merit, hard work, perseverance and patriotism the students would build the healthcare system the country aspires to have. "Our villagers are often deprived of timely treatment because of the shortage of doctors. But if you dedicate yourselves to serving the people, this challenge can certainly be overcome," she said.

Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin on Wednesday said the government is working to build a skilled and competitive workforce by aligning education and skills development with the aspirations of the country's youth through stronger industry-academia collaboration, expanded technical training and internationally recognised certification. Speaking at the “World Youth Skills Day 2026” programme organised by UCEP Bangladesh in Mirpur, he said empowering young people means empowering the government, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman envisions a Bangladesh where youths are equipped with skills, moral values, family education and social responsibility. Govt aims to deliver new textbooks to all students by Jan 1: Mahdi Amin The government wants to overhaul the education system by strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and industries so that students acquire market-relevant skills and become employable, Mahdi Amin said. He said employment opportunities should be developed equally in the private sector, public sector, overseas job markets and entrepreneurship, stressing that not every student needs to become a doctor or engineer. “Instead, students should be encouraged to pursue fields matching their interests and abilities.” Mahdi Amin, also Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson, said the government wants to expand short-term, trade-based training programmes lasting three months, six months and beyond to better prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship. He also stressed the need to create greater overseas employment opportunities by improving workers' skills and developing an integrated ecosystem linking technical and vocational education, polytechnic institutes, SSC and HSC vocational education, Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and other training institutions. Noting that 23 ministries currently run different skills development and training programmes, the adviser said greater coordination is needed to harmonise curricula, certification, training methods and competency standards. Acting on the Prime Minister's directives, the government is working to establish a unified framework so that certificates issued by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) gain international recognition while maintaining common standards across training programmes offered by different ministries, he said. Mahdi Amin praised UCEP Bangladesh for ensuring employment for more than 80 percent of its graduates, describing it as an encouraging example that should be replicated nationwide. "Many students complete technical and vocational education or receive training but still struggle to secure jobs. We want to replicate successful models like UCEP across the country by adopting global best practices," he said. The PMO spokesperson said the government also wants to ensure equal access to quality education, skills training and employment opportunities for young people living outside major cities. "No student should fall behind simply because of where he or she lives. Students in remote and marginalised areas must have access to the same quality of education and skills training as those in Dhaka," he said. Mahdi Amin said private institutions will remain the driving force behind skills development, innovation and expansion, while the government's role will be to provide policy support and create an enabling environment. He also pledged greater government support for reputed institutions so that their expertise and experience can contribute more effectively to implementing national skills development policies. Referring to labour welfare, the adviser said no major labour unrest was witnessed during the two Eid festivals after the current government assumed office, attributing the situation to measures taken to ensure workers' rights, freedom, and timely payment of wages and bonuses. He said the current administration, elected through a genuine public mandate, remains committed to creating an inclusive system that expands opportunities for all young people regardless of their background or location.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Wednesday demanded that all those responsible for the killings during the July-August mass uprising 2024, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, lawmakers and members of the law enforcement agencies allegedly involved, be brought to justice. The demand was made at a prayer and milad mahfil held at the Central Mosque of Dhaka University as part of the organisation's month-long programme commemorating the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising and praying for the recovery of the injured. The programme was attended by JCD's central leaders, leaders of its Dhaka University unit, and from various university, college and metropolitan units. Speaking at the event, JCD Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib said the prime minister had reiterated the commitment to implementing the aspirations of the July uprising. "He assured us during our meeting that everyone involved in the July killings will be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh," Rakib said. He added that the organisation wants to remain assured of the judicial process, noting that verdicts have already been delivered in several cases, including the killing of Abu Sayed. JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said the organisation had launched its month-long programme with a candlelight vigil at the Central Shaheed Minar in remembrance of those killed in the July uprising and in solidarity with the injured. "Today's prayer and milad mahfil is a continuation of that programme," he said. The event concluded with special prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of those killed during the July-August mass uprising and the speedy recovery of the injured.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said local government elections are likely to be held either by the end of this year or in early 2027, assuring that the polls will be conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner without any political interference. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, he said there will be no scope for anyone to influence the elections and that candidates will have to secure victory through the people's support. Addressing UP chairmen and members, Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general, said elected representatives regularly participate in the festivals of people from different faiths and stressed that communal harmony must be preserved. Referring to the upcoming local government elections, he said no political party – BNP or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami – will receive any special privilege. "Chairmen, members and women members will have to be elected through the people's support. This is the true foundation of democracy," he said. The minister also stressed the need for proper distribution of relief so that the rights of the poor are not violated. He said a country's democracy and state system become truly strong only when its local government system is effective and empowered, noting that empowering grassroots public representatives will help deliver services to people's doorsteps and further strengthen the foundation of democracy. Fakhrul said local governments in developed countries serve as the foundation of administration, justice, healthcare and various public services. "But since independence, Bangladesh has not been able to bring its local government system to that desired level of strength. Now is the time to empower local government in the true sense," he said. The minister described UP chairmen and members as the closest representatives of the people at the grassroots who understand local problems, needs, and opportunities better than anyone else, pledging to discuss their allowances with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure they receive a more respectable level of benefits. He underscored the need for making local government more effective and stronger to institutionalise development and democracy. Fakhrul said local representatives should be involved in determining beneficiaries of various government programmes, including social safety net initiatives. He also called for greater empowerment of women and improvements in the country's education system, saying Bangladesh will not be able to move forward without educational advancement. The minister said healthcare services should also be brought closer to local government institutions so they can play a greater role in improving public health services.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Tuesday raised questions over who had sheltered and patronised one of the convicted killers of former President Ziaur Rahman for the past 45 years. He raised the question while speaking as the chief guest at a programme to pray for the departed soul of the party's former Vice-President Zakir Hossain Nannu organised by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal in capital's Nayapaltan. Rizvi said the arrest proved that no criminal ultimately escapes justice. "But the question is where was he during these 45 years? Who gave him shelter? Who maintained him? Who patronised him?" he asked. Rizvi said many developments have taken place following the events of August 15, 1975, adding that some of those who later became ministers were also associated with Awami League. "Anyway, I am not going into those issues now," he said. Encouraging party leaders and activists not to lose hope, Rizvi said people should rely on hard work rather than frustration. "Don't believe in frustration, believe in your hard work," he said, urging everyone to remain committed to their ideals. He said no one's hard work ever goes in vain and that even if some people leave this world without seeing the results of their struggle, their memories inspire others to continue working. Rizvi said the sacrifices of leaders like Zakir Hossain Nannu would be meaningful if these initiatives achieved success over the coming years. Rizvi said that from the anti-Ershad movement to the past 17 years of movement under Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, the party consistently fought for democracy. Despite repeated conspiracies and challenges, he added, the BNP has never resorted to compromise or secret deals. Among others, BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad, Organising Secretary for Volunteers Affairs Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Nurul Islam Nayon attended the programme.

Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman on Tuesday called on people to rise above political differences and work together for the welfare of those affected by national disasters. “During any national disaster, we must think of people first,” she said while addressing the '21 July Milestone Tragedy Tribute and Remembrance Programme' at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital as the chief guest. She said standing beside disaster victims is the highest expression of humanity and helps strengthen compassion and solidarity in society. “It is our moral responsibility to stand by those who have suffered. Such humanitarian support sets a unique example of love and empathy in society,” she said. Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Milestone tragedy, Zubaida prayed for the eternal peace of the victims and asked Allah to grant them Jannatul Ferdous. She remembered the students and the mothers who lost their lives in the tragedy. “Today is a day when our nation is deeply saddened and grief-stricken. Everyone was shocked and helpless in the face of this sudden, horrific and unexpected tragedy,” she said. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she wished a speedy recovery to the injured and urged them to transform their grief into strength. She praised the courage and resilience shown by the injured teachers, students and staff members, saying their determination had become a source of inspiration for the nation. “Even after such a terrible experience, the courage and determination with which you are moving forward will never be forgotten by the nation,” she said. She added that the difficult experience would give the victims strength to face future challenges, strive for excellence and stand beside others in times of distress. “Your courage, resilience, humanity and selfless support will remain exemplary for the nation,” she said. Although the painful memories may still cause fear, she said the victims had demonstrated remarkable bravery by overcoming that fear. “You are the heartbeat of the nation. Your example teaches us never to lose hope in the face of adversity,” she added. She said the courage, compassion and self-sacrifice shown during the tragedy had become a rare example in history and had been witnessed by people around the world. “To serve humanity, one must overcome fear,” she said. She assured the affected families that the helping hands they felt on the day of the tragedy would continue to remain beside them in the future. Among those present at the event were bereaved family members of the Milestone tragedy, Special Guest Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain, State Minister Dr M A Muhit, Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Dr Farhad Halim Doner, injured student Abidur and other injured students, physicians, nurses and officials of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, representatives and dignitaries from the United Kingdom, China, India and Singapore, and volunteers. At the programme, several organisations and individuals who had assisted during the Milestone tragedy were honoured for their contributions.

Newly appointed Political Affairs Assistant to the Prime Minister, Rashed Khan, on Monday said Bangladesh must never again fall under the grip of fascism and called on all anti-fascist political forces to work together for rebuilding the state. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying tribute and offering prayers at the graves of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital following his appointment. Jamaat’s downfall imminent: Rashed Khan Rashed said he has so far done nothing that would cause the Prime Minister to lose confidence in him. “The Bangladesh that emerged through the mass uprising must never again be crushed under the wheels of fascism,” he said. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had entrusted him with the responsibility of Political Affairs Assistant based on trust and confidence, noting that he had maintained both personal and organisational relations with the Prime Minister. Rashed said he had actively participated as a political activist in the simultaneous movement launched in 2022, the one-point movement and later the student-led mass uprising by following Tarique Rahman's directives. “Until now, I have not done anything that would make the Prime Minister lose confidence in me,” he said, reiterating that Bangladesh should never again experience fascist rule. He said the time has come to rebuild the state and urged all political forces that fought against fascism to remain united despite ideological and political differences. “There may be political and ideological differences among us, but there should be no differences when it comes to rebuilding the country,” he said. Rashed alleged that some political parties that emerged or gained political opportunities following the mass uprising were now attempting to obstruct the country's new journey and the Prime Minister's vision of rebuilding the state. Addressing Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), he said, “The language you are using against the BNP is no different from that used by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. I see no difference.” He also alleged that those parties did not want the Prime Minister to succeed. “The Prime Minister of Bangladesh will certainly succeed, Insha'Allah. No anti-state force will be able to obstruct his vision and the country's progress,” he said. Earlier, Rashed Khan was appointed as Assistant (Political Affairs) to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the rank of Secretary on a contractual basis. A notification signed by Deputy Secretary Md Golam Rabbani of the Ministry of Public Administration was issued on Sunday under the order of the President. According to the notification, Rashed has been appointed on the condition that he relinquishes any other profession, business or employment with any government, semi-government, private institution or organisation. It said he will serve as the Prime Minister's Political Affairs Assistant with the rank of Secretary from the date of joining until the end of the Prime Minister's tenure or until the Prime Minister decides otherwise, whichever comes earlier.